This interview is part of a weekly series of conversations with candidates running local government positions leading up to the November 4 municipal election. Its been edited for clarity and conciseness.
SCHNELLE: Why did you decide to run again for USD 250 Board of Education?
PAINTER: So I've served two terms already. I decided to run again. I believe we're doing a lot of good things, and I believe in education wholeheartedly. And I've looked around before I got on the school board for how I could contribute back and give time to the community. So I have such a deep passion for education that I thought that would be an area I would be best suited for.
SCHNELLE: How does your job as a veterinarian tie into your passion for the USD, 250 school board?
PAINTER: Well,I don't know. Is it just being a veterinarian that's driven that passion? Because I've always enjoyed school. I enjoyed learning, and enjoyed it. I love education. I think that the basis for all of us is to be able to improve ourselves and do better in life as we learn new things and can share that with others in our community. So I served on the admissions committee at Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine. I enjoy talking to the students when they come in, and talk to them about their future plans, and those interviews that we've done over the years. And I just love to see kids with bright ideas and dreams and passions and be able to be a part of somehow setting that up for them and hopefully laying a good foundation for them to be successful in life.
SCHNELLE:Is there anything that you are particularly proud of in your time as your previous terms on the school board?
PAINTER: Well, we've been through a lot, and I say that, meaning that covid years were pretty interesting as a public entity, you know, just trying to navigate the waters through that whole time. That's not an area or a time that we were proud of, but I thought we navigated that as well as any school district has, and the other districts in the area have done very well also. So we didn't do anything unusual. I'm also very proud of the fact that we finally accomplished remodeling the west end of the middle school. That was something that needed to be done for years and years, and the public wanted that. The community was very passionate about saving that building and making it useful. That's probably one of the things I'm most proud of, is being able to get that done. Our staff has brought in a new reading plan, and I think things are really improving there. I think that's helping the students a great deal. And we haven't moved the needle for a long, long time and Test Scoring, and not that that's the end all be all. But you know, we're starting to see the needle move for improvement in that area. But you have to learn to read before you can read to learn. We've also started a new math program. When you bring in a new reading program or a new math program, or it's going to take a few years for it to play out before you know, is this making a change or not? We've been able to raise base pay for teachers. I think we're doing a pretty good job there. We're trying our hardest to get that up as much as we can, when we can, with what funds are allowed. But to think we've done quite a few really good things since I've been on the board,
SCHNELLE: What do you want voters to know about you?
PAINTER: The main thing is that I'm committed to this, and have been for eight years, and I continue to have as much heart and passion to continue in this role, if so elected, I have experience doing this. I've proven I can get along with others. Sometimes you don't always come to a meeting knowing all the facts. And so that's one of the things I think that's wonderful about serving on a board of any kind, is sometimes you go into a meeting about particular topics and you have a preconceived stance on something, but when you hear others talk, you learn new things. And so you have to be able to listen to other people and be able to change your position. I've proven that I've managed my own business. So I think my wife and I are very good stewards of funds, and think so I bring that to the board as well.
SCHNELLE: Is there anything else that you'd like to add?
PAINTER: Whether I'm reelected or not, I would like to thank the public for entrusting me in this role for the last I think eight years, hopefully I've served this community well. I want to continue to serve. I love the city of Pittsburgh. We want to be right here at home, and we want to raise our children in this community. And we're very proud of USD 250 and the city of Pittsburgh, and I just want them to know that we're committed. I'm committed here, and I want to see the best for the community and all the students and the teachers, all the staff.
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